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I have a Panasonic Plasma (only audio out is SPDIF) connected to a fiio D3 DAC via the SPDIF. Attached to the RCA out on the fiio are two M-Audio BX5a monitors. I want to know the cheapest way to control the sound without having to adjust it from the back of the monitor, via a knob or remote or something.

The BX5a has two XLR ports on the back that I'm not using, if that helps.

Visual of how it is set up:

These speakers are connected via the TRS input to the left/right RCA out on this (fiio D3):

I use the optical in on this to connect to the optical out on my plasma. This all works so far, but I can't adjust the volume easily.

I have a Panasonic Plasma (only audio out is SPDIF) connected to a fiio D3 DAC via the SPDIF. Attached to the RCA out on the fiio are two M-Audio BX5a monitors. I want to know the cheapest way to control the sound without having to adjust it from the back of the monitor, via a knob or remote or something.

The BX5a has two XLR ports on the back that I'm not using, if that helps.

Visual of how it is set up:

These speakers are connected via the TRS input to the left/right RCA out on this (fiio D3):

I use the optical in on this to connect to the optical out on my plasma. This all works so far, but I can't adjust the volume easily.

The device in question appears to be designed to have standard male-male RCA connectors on the cables leading in and out. You should already have one such cable. Get another!

Plug it in and listen to how it works for yourself!

What happened to initiative?

What ever happened to risk taking? We're talking about an investment of what, $7.25?

What ever happened to risk taking?

I don't expect that it is going to cause any problems, but you are probably thousands of miles closer to it than I!

I can't plug it in because I don't have it (the knob or the two XLR cables), obviously. I am considering ordering it, but I don't want to waste my money if it's a simple problem. Furthermore, it takes awhile for all of the components to arrive. It'll cost about $20 all told, and returns won't be easy.

I figure with this being an audio forum, maybe someone has the same problem that I do and can offer a solution. I've heard of using studio monitors on a television, but most are connected to receivers, which I don't have the money for.

That's out of my price range, unfortunately. And furthermore, wouldn't that be redundant since the speakers have an amp built in?

I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible. Who would have thought that something as simple as changing the volume on a studio monitor would be so expensive! I might have to go the cheap DAC/Amp route, if I can find one.

EDIT: Ah, found the solution. Wasn't plugged in correctly. I have a mess of wires snaking around the back of my TV, but it works! Thanks.